Fans WIN As Two NOTORIOUS Caitlin Clark (& Fans) HATERS Seem To Have Been CUT LOOSE

April 23, 2025

In what many WNBA fans are calling a major win for the league’s future, two of the most controversial figures surrounding Caitlin Clark’s historic rookie season appear to be out of the spotlight—and possibly out of the league entirely. Broadcaster Cindy Brunson and WNBA legend-turned-analyst Cheryl Swoopes have seemingly been removed or quietly phased out from their respective roles, sending a strong message: fans matter—and the league is listening.

Let’s be real: Caitlin Clark has become the face of women’s basketball overnight. With packed arenas, surging TV ratings, and jersey sales that rank alongside NBA superstars, Clark’s presence is reshaping the WNBA. But with her popularity has come backlash—and some of the loudest critics weren’t just on Twitter; they had microphones and broadcast platforms.

Cindy Brunson: No Longer the Voice of the Mercury

Once the play-by-play announcer for the Phoenix Mercury, Cindy Brunson raised eyebrows last season after making controversial remarks that many fans perceived as targeted attacks on Clark and her supporters. Her critiques—both on and off the air—sparked outrage, especially when she implied that Clark wasn’t doing enough to condemn her own fan base for alleged online behavior.

The tipping point came when Brunson insinuated that Indiana Fever management should step in to address “vitriol” coming from Clark’s fans, tying it to wider societal issues in a way many felt was unfair and inflammatory.

This week, fans noticed that Brunson’s name was missing from the Mercury’s 2025 broadcast lineup. No statement, no farewell—just gone.

Was it just a coincidence? Unlikely.

“She became a PR liability,” one WNBA insider shared anonymously. “When you have a league trying to grow and you’re alienating the biggest new fan base it’s had in decades, you can’t be the voice of a franchise anymore.”

Cheryl Swoopes: Quiet Exit from Wings Broadcasts & Podcast

Then there’s Cheryl Swoopes—a WNBA Hall of Famer, yes, but also one of Clark’s most vocal critics in recent months. Swoopes repeatedly dismissed Clark’s NCAA scoring records, made provably false claims about her age and shot volume, and downplayed her impact at every turn.

Now, the Dallas Wings have removed her from their media presence, and her podcast Queens of the Court—once co-hosted with journalist Jordan Robinson—is now rebranded as The Women’s Hoops Show. No Cheryl in sight.

Coincidence? Fans think not.

“This feels like the league is saying, ‘Enough,’” tweeted one WNBA fan. “You don’t have to worship Clark, but you can’t build your platform on tearing her—and her fans—down.”

Is This a Turning Point for the WNBA?

Clark’s presence in the league isn’t just about her game. It’s about new eyeballs, new money, and a cultural shift. She’s bringing in fans who’ve never watched the WNBA before—and keeping them engaged. But when prominent media voices like Brunson and Swoopes alienated that audience, fans began demanding change.

And maybe, just maybe, the league listened.

With a new CBA looming in 2026 and record revenue opportunities in reach, the WNBA can’t afford to be divided. The message from fans has been clear: “Celebrate the stars who are growing the game. Don’t tear them down.”

And now, two of the loudest anti-Clark voices are suddenly missing in action.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be clear—criticism is part of sports. But personal bias, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric aren’t the same thing as honest analysis. Brunson and Swoopes crossed that line, and in doing so, put the league’s growth at risk.

Whether the exits were due to fan pressure, internal reviews, or just good business sense, it’s a step in the right direction. The WNBA is on the cusp of something huge—and it’s going to take unity, professionalism, and positivity to take it all the way.

Caitlin Clark isn’t just changing the game—she’s changing the league. And it looks like the WNBA is finally getting the message.